How to Distinguish Between Male and Female Turtles

By Contributor; Updated April 24, 2017

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At first glance, male and female turtles appear very similar, but there are a few ways to help them apart. Unique sexual characteristics differ among species, but there are some traits that can generally help distinguish males from females. Many of these characteristics are relative to each other, so are more evident if you have both a male and female to compare.

Examine the plastron, or shell on the belly of the turtle. If it is concave -- caves inward -- the turtle likely is male. Males climb on the backs of females to mate, so having a shell that is curved in a bit makes for a better fit.

Examine the tail. Males' tails typically are longer and fatter than females' tails.

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